When I Think of Research...

As I look back at the beginning of this class, I have gained knowledge about research. In this experience I
have learned how to:

Find and understand raw data and information

Ask a research question

Survey the literature

Formulate an informed opinions through the study of my research

Manage my resources

Cite sources

Entered the discussion, or conversation, of other writers and scholars in my field

Learned how others in my field use primary and secondary resources

Decide my point of view, for my research

Collect Evidence

Draw Conclusions based on the research

The research process is, for many of us, is just the way we do things. We research the best buys in cars and appliances, best schools for our children and ourselves as well as the job we all want. Research expands and adds to our experience and knowledge, providing us a broader base for thinking and writing. It enables us to become experts in areas not directly related to our everyday life. When we engage in research, we build valuable critical skills that serve us in other areas of life. We learn to ask interesting and thoughtful questions, gather and interpret data, read critically, form opinions, manage and understand conflicting information.

Challenges I had was finding valuable resources that tied into my study. I acknowledge the source of all evidence as well as help from my colleagues, my teacher, and the web and to each of you, I say thank you! My perception of an early childhood professional is that we are people who work with or on behalf of children and families in early childhood settings.

Research Around the World

The topic I will be discussing today focuses on Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in Africa. After reading several research topics done by students in Africa that are in different committees, I will list a couple of them for you. The topics listed here are topics that were interesting to me that focused on early childhood devlopment . Parents’ and Other Caregivers’ Perception of Early Childhood Development Needs and Quality: A Study of the PLAN-Assisted Programmes in Bawjiase, Ghana by Stella Etse, Improving Multisectoral Cooperation and Coordination in Support of Early Childhood Development Programs in Tanzania by George Kameka Incorporating Indigenous Stories of Basotho in an ECCD Programme at Leseli Community Centre by Phaello Ntsonyane Traditional Child Care Practices in Tanzania: Supplementing PLAN Training Programs by Leoncia Salakana Using Indigenous Material for ECCD Curriculum in Malawi by Mary Phiri.


From reading about the article, “Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in Africa”, I learned from exploring this international early childhood website was “the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) is an innovative(pioneering) and multifaceted(all around) approach to addressing ECD capacity building and leadership development in Africa. The ECDVU is supported by a range of international, regional and local organizations, including the employers of participants. It is a unique training and results-oriented program that uses face-to-face and distributed learning methods including: residential seminars, web-based instruction, CD-Rom and print material support, and a 'community of learners' strategy within and among cohort countries. To meet the ECDVU’s child and social development objectives, it employs a number of approaches to post-secondary education that are ‘non-traditional’ in nature, it includes: recognizing the strengths and expertise that exist locally and regionally; incorporating these ‘voices’ and experiences into the learning process; promoting sustainable, interactive networks that reach rural as well as urban populations; and using computer technology as a means for developing strong information and communication systems within Africa.” This is awesome!



Noteworthy information:

How the candidates are chosen through networking of the ripple effect and the generative curriculum approach each candidate must meet. Candidates are chosen by their country committees as emergent leaders to improve the well-being of children, families and communities in their countries.

Retrieved from:

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php